The Cambrian

EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR NEAR NEATH. TWENTY COLLIERS RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS. DOCT OR AND COLLIERY MAN- AGER OVERCOME. In davs when superstition was rife, Cwrt Herbert Pit, near Noath, wTold have been dubbed an ill-wished" colliery for it bears such an unenviable reputation for ac- cidents. On the let of June. 1906, an ex- plosion occurred in its workings resulting in the deaths of six men. and necessitating I the flooding of that part of the mine where it ignited. Efforts have since been made to ae the colliery in working crder, the Main Co t lierv Co. (the owners of the pit) taking every conceivable precaution to ensure the salety of their employes. Notwithstanding thiB, an event haipp-ened at the pit on Thursday .afternoon, which threatened to be fraught with very serious results. Happily, how- ever, there were no fatalities. It appea- that eight men were looking for a hole in the west section when suddenly 7 struck a region of black damp (foul alTK All of them were overcome and were pros- trated. The alarm was gi-v-en by some other men who happened to be within hearing distance, and quickly a Tescue party was V organised, comprising Dd. Watkrns, Tom Paddison, Mr. R. E. West, the manager, and Dr. Jones. The men who were rendered the most un- conscious by the noxious fumes were: — John Phillips, fireman, Skewen. Charles George, collier, Neath. John Morgan, collier, Neath. William Carpenter, collier. Neath. James Haniord, collier, Skewen. David Williams, collier, Cadoston. John Williams, collier, Skewen- David Jones, collier, Skewen. The work of the rescue party was a dan- gerous one, for the atmosphere was so oal that first Watkins, then Paddison collapsed. Meantime, Mr. West and Dr. Jones were doing their best for the men, while other workmen, with co.mniePdabIe promptitude, DR. D. L. JONES, SKEWEN, tvhoO, with Dr. Samuels, rendered such valu- able assistance. Dr. Jones was himself overcome by gas fumes. (Photo by H. A. Chapman, Swansea). set aborct driving the foul air mt. There ¡ were several more willing helpers and all the men were got safely to the top by about r four o'clock. When the rescue work was j nearly completed, Mr. West tail down un- conscious, and carious to relate, Dr. Jones, when attending to him, shared a. similar fate. But the atmosphere was by this time greatly purified, and both Mr. West and Dr. Jones soon got round. When the men were all brought to the top they were given milk, and every possible attention bestowed on them One poor fellow, who seemed to be suffer- ing from shock, when offered a cup of milk, exclaimed No, give it to Dai" (pointing to his batty) 'he wants it more than I do!" Of coarse, bad news flies with astonish- ing rapidity, and within a short time of the occurrence scores of anxious women, men, and child n ha-d assembled at the pit-top. It had been rumoured that another explosion had taken place, and the Telief depicted on the faces of those who had relatives oe- low when the true nature of the occurrence was announced by the management was un- mistakeable. Most of the men were able to walk home, and although a few are suffer- ing from shock, Dr. Jones, of Skewen, does not apprehend any loss of life. TOM JONES, NEATH, the Cwrt Herbert haulier who rescued Dr. Jones when he was in danger of being knocked down by a "journey" of coal- trams. (Photo by H. Jones, Neath.)

DR. JONES' STRANGE EXPERIENCE. Dr. Jones' experience, like that of the giber eleven men, was strange to a degree. In the course of conversation with a re- presentative of the "Daily Post," be caid he experienced a giddiness and a trembling of the limàos which caused him to stumble and fall. He would get up, wander a few yards further on and then collapse again, eventually being unconscious. Asked as to the condition of themes, he said "Oh, they were flopping about, heads I falling, and knees giving way. rather than prostrate on the ground. We were there trying to bring them round for about two bows. They were collapsing from insuffi- cient supply of air to counteract the 'as. We disconnected the air-pipes so as to give the patiente the benefit of the air and we pat them up to the pipes to suck m the air as it were. The difficulty was that as one recovered another would go off. The point was to get trams d'own quickly to take them up to the sir-way, and this was done m splendid time, and we got them all aboard at last on a journey of trams. "Mr. West would not leave while there was a man behind, and we were the last to leave. Having been in it so long it began to affect us as we were coming back. I nut over first, and after a few yards Mr. Wart-did likewise. Ten minutes afterwards I felt as well as I do now, but I would not risk Walki.!lg." You were in danger of being run over?" Well, I ivSs sticking on to the last tram, and 1 thought- I w>r. Id try to get into t!e next one, which was almost empty, and in trying to do this I fell. I had rny chest on it trying to get in. A young collier saw I the condition. I was in—that I was groggy and unable to support myself—and he stopped the journey of trams and got hold of me. West- had been down a lot longer than I had, eo he w-a-s much worse than ice, but he has got round all right. All the men are perfectly right now." "But what would, have been the effect if they were not rescued?" 'Well, I suppose they would not haw: been able to move, and would have w?n asphyxiated. The sir was very close down there. There v. as a good air way, but it was not sufficient." STORY OF A RESCUER- David Watkins, of Cribbs-row, Neath, one of the rescue party, said that he had had a terrible time. "MV 'Ruttv and J," said he, "were working in the deep when we heard of what had happened. I rnsh?d down the deep, and there saw Phillips, hp fireman, lying on his back on the rails quite unconscious. I''unfastened his belt and ,in- ,i plied artificial respiration, bringing him round after about ten minutes, We theon got him to the pit bottom and he was taken to the surface. With others. I haloed to bring several more round, and then a strange feeling overcame me. My head began to whlzs. and mv less, .gave war under me. Thoen I remembered no more nnt.i1 I regained consciousness at ths top."

FALLING LIKE NINEPINS. MANAGER DESCRIBES REMARKABLE SCENE. Mr. West, the colliery manager, thus e- lates his experience "Thev becran to fall down one after the other in an astonishing manner. They just. seemed to collapse and came down like so many ninepins. The sight necessarily filled me with wonderment, but by this time, I might tell you, I as becoming very weak myself." "Tell me of your own feelings when you found the foul air getting the better of you?" "First M all, I felt my heart thumping Ii heavily, then there was a whirring sound in the head, and after that my legs eeeaned paralysed and I fell to the ground. I re- member recovering in the fresher air as ] wa.s being taken to the top of trie pit, snd tbe sensation was just as remarkable. It seemed as if there were millions of pins and needles in my arms and legs, rvl 1cp-g before I could open mv eyes, or. in ra':1l. move a muscle, I could hear and distinruisn the voices around me. Now ht nine b'clcck) I f<*el a litle weak and giddy, but that is an." TWENTY SUFFERERS IN ALL. Mr. Tom James, manager of No. 1 Pit, who was one of the rescuers, said that the men who were overcome, a,bout twenty in number, were brought to the surface in .wo journeys of trams. They all beg?.n to le- cover very rapidly when the fresh air was reached. The worst of all was John Phil- lips, the overman, but he had seen him ;>* seven o'clock, and he was then practically well. well. Another official who had suffered from the effects said some hours afterwards that Let still felt a nasty sick headache and a pe- culiar feeling in the stomach. He paid a tribute to the overman, John Phillips, who, he said, behaved with much gallantry also t on the occasion of the explosion in' June last. Upon inquiry on Thursday night we were informed that the affected men were pro- gressing favourably. ANOTHER DOCTOR OVERCOME. Dr. Samuel, of Skewen, who rendered in- valuable service, and was also rendered practically unconscious by the noxious fumes, was the last io leave the mine. CONDITION CF FOREMAN PHILLIPS. Phillips, foreman, who WM the mos4; seriously injured in connection with Thurs- ï day's escape o-f gas, is reported to be doing well. well. I

BANFFSHIRE RESULT. LAST LIBERAL MAJORITY REDUCED. The Banffshire election was declared on Monday as follows :— Waring (L.) 3901 Whitelaw (TJ.) 1892 L majority 2009 I At the General Fk-ction the late Mr. A. W. Black (L.) defeated Mr. J. A. Grant (U.) by a majority of 2,200.

LOCAL SHIP SALES. THE S.S. SWANSEA. I The composite barque Bristow (late of Port Talbot), now lying at Dover, has been I sold to East Cosat owners for about £600, and will be converted into a hulk. She will carry 540 tons, dead-weight. The steel screw -steamer Swansea, which was sold recently in a damaged state to English buyers for about £ 3,250, has been repaired, and re-sold. She is 954 tons gross, and 579 tons net register, built at Middlss- bro' in 1894 by Messrs W. Harkiss & Son, and classed 100A1 at Lloyd's has triple expan- sion engines, 17in. by 23in., and 46in. x 30in. stroke. She was formerly owned bv Mr. F. le Boulanger, Swansea.

AFTER A VISIT TO THE THEATRE. ROW IN A SWANSEA HOTEL "BILLY" MORGAN IN THE POLICE COURT. At Swansea an Monday, William Mor- gan, New Orchard-street, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly on Sat- urday- P.C. Reynolds said he was called to the Alexandra Hotel; to eject- defendant, who was fighting. When outside, defendant became very disorderly, and bad to he lock- ed up. Morgan Didn't you .ake me right out of the hotel to the station ?-Defenda n: added there was such a noise with T, piano in the bouse that he didn't hear what was said. Witness: Yon refused to go out. Clerk (to witness): When you went in, what did you do? Morgan: Got hold of me and took me to the station! Witness: He was struggling with the landlord Morgan (fiercely): Did vou sa- t bA land- lord near me at the tinleo Wv- T drunk? Witness You were drunk outside. Morgan: If I was drunk, why did the 'landlord serve me? Sergt. Peary said defendant was drunk when brought to the station. Defendant said he and his wife had been to the Grand Theatre, and called at the Alexandra. Directly he called for a drink, he was struck down. His missis interfered, and she got a crack. Then he put a few coppers m the piano. Chairman: And that set up (Laughter.) Well, we can't the piano. (Laughter.) Frances Morgan, defendant's wife, said her husbaod was not drunk. A man in the house tore his tie-pin out; when she interfered she was struck. The landlord said defendant was sober He had only been served once. Witness sent for the police to eject Morgan and his wife and the other man. Mr. Livingston: Who commenced the row ? Witness: I can't say. I was busy at the time. Magistrates said the fine was 40s and costs, but as defendant had been on hjs best behaviour lately, he would be fined 10s.

DISASTER IN BRISTOL j CHANNEL. I CARDIFF COLLIER RUN DOWN. CAPTAIN AND FOURTEEN HANDS PERISH. THRILLING RESCUES OF THE I I SURVIVORS. WELL-KNOWN SWANSEA TRADER l GONE. The most disastrous collision that nas occurred for several years in the Bristol aiiiief took place on Saturday night off Lthe .Xaeh, and resulted in the sinking of the s.s. OTlanda-owned at Liverpool, but a familiar Swansea trader—and severe dam- age to the s.s. Heliopolis, of London. It was a dark but. clear night, with high wind and heavy sea, and the Orianda, which left Cardiff at 9.30 p.m. for Spezzia with coal, was going at half-speed, and to the south-west of the Nash, when the Helio- polis, which was in bunkers, crashed into her between the engines and the stokehold. A great rent was torn in the Orianda's side, and as the Heliopolis backed out the water poured in with a rush, and the ill-fated Oriando speedily had a heavy list. The adventures of her crew, of whom 14 perish- ed, are best described by the following thrill, ng narrative of Mr. W. H. Bevan, the third engineer, who resides at Aberystwyth. He says :— "One of the lifeboats was smashed in the collision, and it was difficult to get the other loose from the davits. Every one of the crew was mustered on deck, and fitted with lifebelts, and as we stood there we shouted together for help. The colliding steamer, however, stood off at some distance and rendered us no aid. "It was half an hour from the time the vessels struck before the Orianda went down. They managed to cut the lifeboat clear from the davits as the steamer sank out of sight. We all jumped into the water, Captain Williams and Mr. Aitken being i'te last to leave the sinking vessel. I dived beneath the waves and on emerging was struck by a piece of wreckage on the knee. I felt something near my head and on look- ing round rejoiced to see it was the life- boat. I got in and found tour others there. Mr. Aitken was picked up afterwards, but Captain Williams drifted away from us. V* e shouted to him and he cried out that he feared he would not be able to reach us. "The pilot cutter took three of the men off. I myse.. was caught by the pilot, but slipped from his hands. I was unable to move when the captain of the Ebba put the line around me, and I was dragged on board. I became unconscious and was glad to find Mr. Aitken near me when I came round. "One poor fellow died in the boat. I tried to do what I could for him and held bis head in my arms when he must iva died. We had been in the water for at least two hours." The Ebba referred to was a. loaded steam- er that was in the vicinity at the time. That there were any survivors rescued at all is, however, chiefly due to Mr. John J' Sparkes, a Barry pilot, who was cruising m the vicinity at the time. Gapt. Bevan sighted the distress signal lights, and head- ed away for the scene of the disaster, hail- ing on the way the Ebba, which found it difficult to launch a boat, owing to the high seas running. Mr. Sptrrkes continues:— "It seemed as if Providence guided every movement .of my little crafL, for we pitched close to the waterlogged boat from the Oiiandfi/iQ), which,weM six men. They, all wore lifebelts and cried out, Tilotboat ahoyi Save us.' I iialloe^ back, 'Yes, keep yourselves cool; don't you worry; we will save you.' We stood away to the northward for & time, ajid then, with my boat doing everything we wished, we pitch- ed, as I have said, close alongside. Ernest Da\ies, my apprentice, seemed to exert the strength of a lion in reaching over ""Om the deck on the fore side of the rigging, and pulled a big seamau from the water, catching held of him by the waist and lift- ing him clear. We threw a line to the men in the boat, and asked them to make fast, but they were all so exhausted and suffering from exposure after having been in the water-logged boat over hali-an-hour that thev could not take hold of the ropt., and the waves parted us. "We stood away and tacked again, and the cutter got near once more. This time we caught another man in time, and the waves parted us a second time. We had put out our own punt, too, and I cried to the men to try and get hold of it. 44As we got back again I. seized hold of one mail, or at least he got hold of me, as I lav on my stomach on deck reaching over the side. I had jumped forward and lay when the man got hold of my right arm. The man cried out, 'Oh, God! Save me, pilot!' and as he said this a big sea struck him and separated us. I shall u-cver for- get that moment. The man's hands pierced inv flesh in the grasp, and were not that I mv apprentice, Davies, had hold of my legs I would have been dragged overboard. Those cries of his are in my ears now. The man's hands were greasy, otherwise I might have held him, and he slipped away. Judging by this he was probably one of the engineers. "Another man was reached by Collin Dowdesweil, another of my men, at the same time." Both Dowdesweil, who is about to be- come a Gloucester pilot, and young Davies, behaved very courageously. Capt. Benson, of the Ebba, also displayed great heroism. The Heliopolis reached Cardiff on Sun- day morning about 9 o'clock. She had a heavy list to starboard, and had sustained such severe damage to her bows that it was deemed necessary to place her in dry dock at onoe. Several of her fore com- partments were fall of water. After the collision there was some fear that she would founder, but her bulkheads sufficed to keep her afloat. Her officers were quite unaware of the terrible result of the collision. When the vessels separated in the darkness they thought the Orianda's crew would have plenty of time to get their boots out, and when their own boat returned without hav- ing found any trace of the other steamer they concluded that all was right, and continued the voyage to Cardiff, LIST OF THE DROWNED. The members of the crew who last their lis* were:— John Williams, master, of Borth, Cardi- gacshire. F. Jones, chief mate, Newquay. R Hunter, second mate, 195,. Severn- road, Cardiff. John Hansen, second engineer, Chris- tiania. D. Lambros, cook-steward, 204, Bute- road, Cardiff. J. Valender, messroom steward, Uielten- ham. H. Garcia, boatswain, 200, Bnte-road Cardiff. George Vonofrakelos, O.S., 49, Bute- road, Cardiff. John Morris (19), O.S., 46, Milton-street Cardiff ilir;; voyage.) T. Davidson, donkeyman, 1, Francis- street, Cardiff. J. Tullis, fireman, 101, Penarth-road Cardiff. S. Steamer, fireman, Liverpool. H. Jones, fireman, Bristol. Also one not identified. THE FIVE SURVIVORS. The rescued were :— R Aitken, chief engineer, 19, Bla.en- clydach-street, Cardiff. W. H. Davies, third engineer, Marine- terrace, AbeTystwyth. E. de JesDa, A.B., 217, B^te-road, Gar- diff. C. Juscata, A.B., 200, Bute-road, Cardiff. M. Jean, A.B., 262, Bute-road, Cardiff. The Orianda was built in 1879; owned by Messrs. Evan Morgan and Co., Liverpool, and is of 929 tons net. The Heliopols is of 4,688 tons gross, and was built in loch The bulk of her crew were Chinese. Capt. John Williams, of the Orianda, is a native of Borth, Cardigan. and very well- known at Cardiff.

SWANSEA LICENSE. SWANSEA BREWERY COMPANY TO APPEAL. Wo understand the Swansea Old Brewery 'Company intend appealing against the de- cision of the I.icenbing Justices in refusing the license of the Gate House Hotel. CW.E- bwrla.

BLACKPILL CHURCH. TO BE OPENED AT EASTERTIDE. The new church at Blackpill is rapidly approaching completion and will be ready for opening by Eastertide. Not only b Mr. Graham Vivian defraying the entire cost of the building and iand, but it is eaid he intends to appoint and maintain the incumbent. -II

M )0RE-GWYN—GILBERTSON. NEATH GENTLEMAN AND PONTAR- LAWE LADY TO WED. The wedding is announced of Mr. J. Gwyn Moore-Gwyn, J.P., eldest son of Mr. J. E. Moore-Gwyn, J.P., of Duffryn, near Neath, and Miss Olive Gilbertson, second daughter of Mr. Arthur Guibertson, J.P., of Pontardawe. The date is fixed for June 20th.

ELECTIVE AUDITORS. SWANSEA NOMINATION DAY. The last day for reoeiving nominations for the position of borough elective auditors at Swansea is Thursday next. The retiring auditors, Messrs David Boberts and Wm. Buckland. intend seeking re-election and their friends think that now they are get- ting a grip of the work they &hould not be disturbed. *v-o Opposition, however, is usual for tJua office, which carries with it about £50 a year.

AGED SCOTCH LADY. DEATH OF MRS. MAY CRAIG, SWANSEA. The death took place on Saturday, at Ccmbill Villa. Christina-street. Swansea, of Mrs Mary Craig. widow. after a very short illness. She was 89 vears of age. and came to Swansea about 29 years ago on the death cf her husband, who was a farmer in Kil- marnock, Ayrshire, to reside with her son. the late Mr John Craig- credit draper. Deoeased is survived by four sons and two daughters, one of the latter being Itfra Robertson, 1. Trini:y-place, Swansea. Mrs. Sutherland, wile of Mr D. A. Sutherland, who carries on the late Mr John Craig 6 business, is a grand-daughter. who carries on the late Mr John Craig 6 business, is a grand-daughter.

LESSON FROM TUNBRIDGE WELLS TELEPHONES ENGINEER AND THE I NATIONAL CO.'S TACTICS. I MT, A. R. Bennett, consulting engineer to Swansea Telephones Committee, draws at- tention to a paragraph in the London "Daily News" to the affect that the N.T.C. having bought the telephones from the Cor- poration, has raised the municipal tariff for unlimited service from £5 17s. 6d. to £8; and the editorial comment thereon in the "Daily News," in which it is commented that the ratepayers "have sold the company the stick with which to be beaten." Mr. Bennett adds :— "Swansea people should understand that it is not the municipal telephone subscrib- ers alone who are affected. In consequence of the ompetition the National subscrib- ers have been provided by the company with verv low party-line and other rate;, while many enjoy extra instruments and extension line?,,extra, bells, extra switches, etc., either free or for a mere bagatelle. The moaifttit the -sale ha a been effected all these benefits will vanish, and the company will naturally make as much haste as possible to reestablish its former tariffs. "It behoves the National Telephone Com- pany's subscribers, therefore, to protest against the sale as energetically as any others. The municipal subscribers may en- joy a brief respite before their rates are put up, but the National subscribers cer- tainly will not." ø=:

"FAULT WITH THOSE WHO EMPLOY YOU." CORONER'S CENSURES AT VALLEY INQUEST- YNISCEDWYN REJAIRER'S DEATH UNDER TRAMS. YOUTHFUL RIpER'S CARELESSNESS MANAGEMENT BLAMED. An inquest was held at the Castle Hotel". Ystradgynlais, on Friday 'he death of Morgan Grove (39), oi Caerbont, repairer, who was killed at Ystraagynla^s, CoHiery, on Tuesday evening. Mr. White, H.M. Inspector of Mines, and Mr. Kenshoie (Aberdare), representing the Colliery to. were present, a,nd Mr. James tof Rajxlellj and James) represented deceased's relatives. Louis Probert (18), shiftman, said that on, Tuesday evening he was coming from the| pit with an empty journey of tratms. JQ reaching the top he rang to the engH*5;, house to sprag the trams. He also shouted to the rider not to hitch them off, but m this he was too late- Witness tried to hold the trams back but failed. He had been employed a month at the colliery. Coroner (Dr. Jones): Very responsible '1()- sition to put a lad of 18 in you had .M) I previous experience. Any previous acci- dents there?—Yes, the night before, bat no one was injured. Coroner: I do not care for this careless- ness when human life is concerned. I thai some care should be employed. A^lad of 18 to be responsible for a. job of this kind is most unsatisfactory to me. By Mr. White Witness said it seldom oc- curred that they brought seven trams ^p at a time. There was no bar-hook at -he end of the journey, although it was neces- sary to have one. Ivor Steele (17), Ystalyfera, said be acted as rider on Tuesday. He told the engine- driver that they were bringing seven trams up. The engineanan told him not to do so. Coroner He tells you not to bring seven trams up, ami in spite of that you bring seven up! Witness said the journey subsequently ran wild. Mr. J. D. Morgan (miners' agent) said that lads of lo were seldom employed as riders. Witness was severely cross-examined with I regard to the accident on the previous night. He did not know whose fault it was. Coroner: There is more fault with those that employ you than upon yourself. Witness said he had not been shown the rules of the colliery. Had a bar-hook i>een ttfied it might have overturned the trams. Dd. Jones (Penrhos) engine-driver, saad he told Steele not to bring seven trams i.p on account of the difficulty in landing them. Mr. A. Lloyd (manager) said that when Steele was employed at the colliery he gave a wrong age. He scolded Steels after the first accidcnt. Steele, now asked if that was so, replied, "I can't remember." Coroner (to Steele) It is evident that '.ye did not give you sufficient. Dr. Walsh attributed death to injuries to the chest- Coroner said one question to be decided was if the management was right in em- ploying such lads to such responsible posi- tions. They should be held by men «f greater experience. The lads were very careless. He commented on the need for safety points and more room for landing the tra-ms on top of the drift. Verdict of "Accidental death" was re- turned, the coroner severely censoring the lad Steele for his carelessness and the man- agement for employing tbe '1««V

CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED SUICIDE. WELL-KNOWN LLANELLY RESIDENTS POSITION. EX-STRAD-EY AGENT'S GASH IN THE THROAT. MR. BLAKE DISCHARGED BY THE MAGISTRATES. At Llanelly Police Court on Monday, Mr. G. F..Blake, New-road, was charged with attempting to commit suicide on January 14th. Mr. David Randell appeared for the dcfcnce, and Mr. D. R. Edmunds attended on behalf of the Stradey Estate. Evidence was given by Mary Owen, house- keeper, who stated that she went out into the garden at 11 o'clock on the morning in question, and found Mr. Blake lying near the greenhouse with a wound in his threat. She inwnediately sent for assistance. William Lewis, Yhyswen, chief clerk Stradey Estate Offices, was the next wit- ness Mr. Brodie The defendant was agent to the estate?—Yes. Until when?—January of this year. You saw defendant on Jaxtua/rv 14th?— Yes, at about 11.15. w Ddd you have conversation with him?— Yes, a general conversation. How did he appear?—In usual health. Did he L;iv03 you any idea that be had any inteintion to do anything to himself?—No. Did you receive a cocnmunicatkwi from his residence ?—Yes. When ?—At 11.55. Did you go there?—Yes. Was the defendant there?—Yes. He was lying on the ground. I lifted him up to a sitting po^rture. What did you then find ?—-A wound on the throa,t., Did you say anything? Yes; "Good God, what have you done, 8Ír!" Was any reply made by defendant?—He attempted to, but I couldn't understand what he said. What happened next-?—I sent for assist- ance. Did anyone arrive?—Yes, Jack Bevan and mroth,er came, and we carried Mr. Blake into the house. Was anything done to the defendant?— I tied my handkerchief round his neck. You remained until the doctor arrived?— Yes. I Dr. E-viM Evans sa.id he found defendant ir. the dining room, lying on his back in a very collapsed it-ate, suffering from an in- cised wound in the front of the neck. The wound was certainly caused by a sharp in strument, ana was four or five inches long, and'extended across the nock. Have you been in attendance ever since?— Yes. Has he now recovered?—Practically Do you know whether or not tJba wound was Self-inlficted?—I should say it was. You know nothing from what defendant said ?—No. Was anything handed to you?—A razor. Might the wound have been caused by that ?—Y es. There are marks on it?—Yes, blood and 'II dirt. Were the marks fresh when the razor was handed to you?—Yes. You are thn defendant's medical adviser? —Yes. Had you seen him within the previous week?—Yes, for a few minutes. What was his condition?—Perfectly nor- mfiL What was his present condition?—Per- fectly normal. How long has it been so?—After a comple of days after Nt"" 14th January. What was it on January 14th that caused this?—I should not think he was responsible for his actions on that day. What was his condition at the time of the alleged occurrence?—He hAd a fit of melan- cholia- Was there any cause which might have brought that about? I know of none. Cross-examined by Mr. RandeJl You have been the defendant's attendant for 15 or 16 years?—Yes. From your examination of him and your continued observations,: can you come to a oonchisdon as to whether he was responsible? —I am of opinion that he was not respon- sible for what he did. So far as the mental condition he is ab- solutely recovered ?—Yes. Assuming that there was a committal, would the suspense have a detrimental e.ffec.t 1--1 t.hink it would. DEFENDANT HAS "NO RECOLLEC- TION. P.S. Britten said he arrested the defendant under a warrant that day. which he read over, and charged him with attempting to commit suicide on January 14th, and cau- tioned him. In reply he said, "I ha.ve no recollection of what occurred." Dr. Evans was asked by Mr. Sampson if be knew anything to account for what had occurred ?—Witness I do not know. Mr. Brodie: It was common knowledge that he was severing bis connection with the estate?—Yes. Was that sufficient to cau&e_ what hap- pened?—In some cases it is quite sufficient. Mr. Sampson: It depends upon a man's mental balance. Mr. Brodie: You know that h:s connec- tion with the estate had terminated? Dr. Evans: It had either terminated or was about to terminate. Mr. Brodie. He is now perfectly himself meiiitally?—Yes. Is there a possibility of the mental failure again ?—Apparently not. Mr. Sampson: In the absence of cause. This concluded the evidence. Bench dismissed the case.

SHOCKING PLIGHT OF CHILDREN PAINFUL STORY TOLD THE MAGIS- TRATES. At Swansea on Monday, Peter Smith, la- bourer, New Orchard-street, and Elizabeth Evans, same address, were summoned for n«glect of their five children. Mr. Leeder prosecuted for the N.S.P.C.C. Inspector Arnold said the place was a garret. The children were: May 12, Clara 8, Eliza- 5, Thomas 3, Gladys 7 months. With the exception of the baby, they were aJl in a shocking state. They had pinched faces, and famished appearance, and an were badly nourished. Clara suffered from a running WQund in the hip. Elizabeth had her rights arm paralysed. One bed for the whole family had two rotten mattresses, and insufficient covering. The dwelling room was in a filthy state, the floor being covered with ashes and straw. There was very little food, and wit- ness bought some and called in a doctor. On February 11 the house and children were lie same. The man was eating bacon and < ndons. "I am doing all I can for them," said "I can't get regular work, but I mist buck up and do something." Witness explained that defendants ought to take ad- vantage of the Poor Law rather than allow the children to suffer. The husband replied, "I'd sooner put my nock under a train than go into the Workhouse." "It's no use, Peter, you can never keep us, said the woman, "and I have to go begging and singing to get food, which you get a share of, or starve. Yon know t-he children had no food on Thurs- day and Friday, only what was given them at the Ragged School at breakfast, and some I oi that they brought home to me. We are half starved, and I'm willing to go into the Workhouse or anywhere from here." On February 12 the children were seen ravenously eating biscuits and bread and hotter, which Inspector Nener had given t;h&1. The woman was making a decent attempt at cleaning the houtee. The male defendant had been employed under the Cor- poration and at the surveyor's department. They told witness defendant could hate full work, only he was lazy, It always took an- other man to look after him a<td keep him at work! Defendant, had earned 18s. in nme days, out of which he had given the woman 16s. Dr. Isaac said the childlrwi were neglected and dirty. Other witnesses were called. The female defendant, who lad gc.ni* to the Workhouse, was sent back Uhere, and the husband sent to prison for three nMBtba. Chairman: Yci otaght to go for edx: mnothe, but «Ie jou have not been hero before.

SWANSEA WESTERN DRAINAGE SCHEMA LIKELY TO BE HUNG UP AGAIN. MUMBLES HEAD PROJECT NOW MOOTED. The western of Swansear drainage scheme is likely to be hung up" for some years longer. The date of the meeting agreed up;m for the discussion of Mr. Ohatterton's report has not been fixed, we believe, out tha feeling amongst members of the Water and Sewers Committee, who have received copies of the expert's report, is that ais scheme cannot be done for anything ike m60,000. In addition to the construction of the out- fall pipe to the Pier Head, it is proposed to tunnel the route of the storage and inter-! cepting sewer along College-etreet and St. j Heleu.s-road, up Brunswick-street, and down Westbury-street to the junction of Brynmor- road. In some places this tunnel is to be 45, feet below the surface, and it is expected that much waier will be met with. However, Mr. Chatterton. by His exhaus- tive report, shows that he has gone thor- oughly into the whole mMter, and it may be taken for granted that be has carefully counted the cost. Meantime there is a disposition now to try and join hands with the outside authori- ties affected, and carry a sewer straight to the Mumbles Head, so as to meet the future growth of Swansea (to the West) and Sketty. Mr. Chatterton has been asked, on the suggestion of the Waters and Sewers Com- ntifckee to sapply the levels of the proposed sewers on a section of the Una thereof.

LLANDRINDOD FIASCO. WHY THE CONFERENCE WAS ABANDONED. McKENNA'S PLAIN HINT TO LLOYD-GEORGE. Mr. Lloyd-George, says a Welsh political correspondent of a Cardiff journal, has been very uneasy over the speech he was to have delivered on Saturday at Llandrindod. The correspondent continues;- "Obviously, he cannot encourage the con- tinuance of the Revolt campaign, for that would mean hostility to the Government of which he is an integral part. On the other hand, if he advises them to lay down their arms with the cry of 'To your tents, 0 Israel, t. he creates a situation in Wales analogous to that in England.The ex- planation of the sudden abandonment of the conference at Llandrindod furnished by this political correspondent, is ascribed as follows:— "It is entirely due to Mr. M'Kenna, who insisted on Mr. Lloyd-George's withdrawal on the ground that he cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hounds at the same time. Mr. M'Kenna is resolved not to be hampered by conventions which seek only to foment disaffection towards his depart- ment. But here, again, he has compromis- ed with a view of carrying his point. It was definitely understood that he would have made the announcement of the crea- tion of the new department as a kind of thankoffering for his re-election for North Monmouthshire. He has divulged the se- cret this week as a solatium for the a-bajidon- ment of the convention and as a sop to Mr. Lloyd-George, who believes that this new departure will serve as a tonic upon the dispirited forces and the disappointed fol- lowers of the famous Revolt."

AFTER THIRTY YEARS SERVICE. DR. DAVID THOMAS (YSTALYFERA), Who has resigned his position as medical officer of health of the Pontardawe District I Council (Eastern Division), after thirty years' service. Mr. Herbert Lloyd attributes the present satisfactory sa-ictary condition of Pontardawe to Dr. Thomas's energetic effort.

DEATH OF MRS. GRAINGER JONES. WELL KNOWN SWANSEA HOTEL MANAGERESS. It is with regret we record the death of Mta. Catherine Gra,inger Jone4. wife of Mr. David Grainger Jones, proprietor of the White jtose "Hotel; Walter-road, Swansea, which event took pla-ce at a quarter past sit on Sunday morning. Mrs. Jones had bsen ailing for tho past four months frum consumption, but the cause of her demise was primarily due to the breaking of a blood vessel. As P. consequence her ecd came very imexpectedly. THE LATE MRS. GRAINGER JONES. Mrs Jones-nee Miss tiraInger-was oo years of age and two years ago next Thursday she married Mr David Jones. Previously the deceased lady was for. several years manageress of the "Cameron Arms Hotel." High-street, Swansea, at which establish- ment she was altogether for about sixteen years. Both at the "Cameron" and the "White E-o&e" she made a host of friends, her ever-welcome manner and her particu- larly cheerful disposition being character- istics of a Quiet and gentle nature. Mrs. Jones was brought up at Hereford. Her father and mother are both dead and the only near relative alive is a brother living at Brynmawr.

SWANSEA BAKERS' BANQUET. CHEERY PROSPECTS FOR THE COMING CONGRESS. The Swansea Branch of the Bakers' and Confectioners' Union held its annual dinner at the Royal Hotel. Swansea, on Saturday evening. About 100 sat down. Mr Wm. Peters presided, supported at the cross taile by Messrs, W. H. Palmer. ex-President of the Swansea Branch; J. Davies. Presideit cf the local Operatives' Association; W, H. Hill, W. Webberley, Geo. James (Weavers'), Wilkins (Stoate and' Son), T. S. Ebden (Ranklin Ltd.), T. J. Creane (Hovis Ltd.). J. H Griffiths (Merchant). A. E. Fursland (King and Seville). Ben Davies. and M. L. Leonard. The dinner steward was Mr. T. Brown, who had made the arrangements incst perfectly. After the loyal toasts, Mr. J. Davies pro- iK-sed the "Trade," and hoped that the Bakers' Conference which was to be held in Swansea in June, would improve the trade in gei eral. Mr. Wm. Peters (as President of the So- ciety), responded, and touching on the Swan- sea Conference, said they would I Ave a Swansea man in Mr. W. H. PalBtar as President of the Union. Swansea miHûre had come forward handsomely and Messrs Weaver had backed tip the movement in every way. Mr J. P. Wilkins (Stoate and Sorts) also spoke. The Chaiiman then proposed "StioWBS to the Swansea Branch of the Union." Mr. T. H. Court, secretary of the branch, in replying, said the number of members they had at the beginning of the year were 62; 49 were fully paid up. They had their sickness benefit fund and out of work fund. For twelve months the employes had had better wages and shorter hours and had to thank the employers tor their as- sistance in this. Mr. T. Thomas proposed the "Swan«w. Trades and Labour Council," to which Mr J. P. Beynon replied. The "Chairman^ and the "Press" were also given The musical programme was arranged bv Mr Tom Jones (Swansea's quaint comedian) and those who assisted were Messrs. Harrv Davrne, Larry Warner, H. Eaton. H, Ciyicd and Jt Rapley. Mr. Jones was in great form himself. The accompanist was Mr J L Howes (Messrs. Taylor). Melkeham.

KILLED AT YSTALYFERA. I WILLIAM HENRY JONES, I of Morriston, who was killed at Diamond I Colliery, Ystalyfera, on Wednesday night, served eleven years with the South Wales Borderers. (Photo by Clair and Co., Meemt.)

STALLHOLDER AND MARKET INSPECTOR. SHINDY AT AN ABERAVON HOUSE. At Aberavon on Saturday. Stephen Mears, a. fruiterer, Alma-plaoe, was summoned for wilfully damaging the furniture of Mr. Pearce, market inspector. No. 8. Sea View- terrace, and also for sureties of the peace. Evidence was given by Dd. Jones. land- lord of the Red Lion Hotel, to the effect that defendant came into the house in a very excited state, saying he had been struck by Pearce's son. Wm. Pearce. Market Inspector, said he found the things all knocked about in the front room of the house, piano scratched, ornaments smashed, etc., about 30s. damage. Defendant had lost all he had at his market stalls through the recent fire and wanted a stall in the new market, complaining it was otyrn and unprotected. He and the Chairman of the Market Committee were talking together when defendant came cn the scene and called him a rogue, thief, liar, etc. At the police station charge room defendant threatened to blow out his (wit- ness's) brains. Defendant said the damage at the house had been caused in a struggle with young Pearce and not wilfully.-He was fined 2s. 6d. and 15s. damages and bound over in dEZO for six months. ..JI

TRADE AT SWANSEA DOCKS. CONSIDERABLE REDUCTION LAST WEEK TINPLATES AND GENERAL CLEARANCES HEAVY. (Specially Compiled to the "Daily Post.") Swansea, Monday—The supply of tonnage in the past week was short of requirements, and as a consequence there was a consi- derable reduction in the volume of trade. Notwithstanding, however, compared with the figures in the corresponding week of last year there is an increase of 8.000 tons Coal and patent fuel trades were compar- atively quiet, shipments amounting to but 56,735 tons. On the other hand the clear anoo of tinplates and general merchandise was exceptionally heavy. Imports included-Fraiim 2,185 tons pit- wood, and 850 tons iron ore; Holland and Belgium, 890 tens; Spain, 152 tons zinc ere; New York. 360 tons general. Coal Shipments--Germany, 2.640 tons; Hol- land and Belgium, 1.690 tons; France, 25,390 tons; Spain, 1,080 tons; Italy. 7,700 tons; Austria, 1,250 tons; and home ports. 5,355 tons. Patent fuel. France. 1,330 tons; Spain, 1,900 tons; Italy. 1,000 tons; and Al's- tria, 6,800 tons. Imports, 12.251 tons; exports. 67.905 tons: and t&t af 4de;' 60,156 tons;' compared with 100,991 tons-the previous week and 72,895 tons 'the corresponding week last year. Shipments of coal. 45.705 tons; patent fuel, 11,030 tons; and tinplates and general good3, 11,170 tons, the latter for Germany. Hol- land, and Belgium. France. Portugal, Italy, Brazil, San Francisco. New York. and home ports. Shipments of tinplat.e. 100,348 boxes and receipts from works. 73,026 boxes. Stocks in the dock warehouses and vans. 109,149 boxes, compared With 136.471 boxes this day week, and 155,773 boxes at this date last year. To load general cargo in the current week-Lord Lansdown (Baltimore), Brook- lyn City (New York), Egyptian (Mediterra- nean Ports), Sir Walter (Setubal), Hero (Antwerp), Milo and Yeghtstroom (Amster- dam), Arnold (Gothenburg), Rogsland (Co- penhagen and Stettin), Paris (Nantes and Bordeaux). Vessels in dock. Saturday Steam, 32; sail, 40; total. 72. TRADE AT LLANELLY PORT REVIEWED. The trade of Llanelly Port for the past week was not so brisk, aitthe ton- nage which left the colliery was very heavy. The greater portion of it appears to have left for shipment at Swansea. The week's exports were only moderate and amounted to 5,520 tons, consisting of 4,220 tens of coal and 1,300 tons of ",lag. This constituted practically all the tonnage han- dled. The coal trade still continues to main- tain the buoyancy which has characterised the, market since the latter part of last year. The position is a very firm one and such a state of things has not been known for many years. It is remarkable what & scarcity of coal there is throughout Europe. From all Continental countries we have the same complaint of the great scarcity of coal. There is a similar lack of coal amongst bOllooholdeTS and it often happens that they have to givo their orders days before to ensure delivery of coal. One local ;olliery is known to have had orders on the books since November which have not yet oeen delivered. Prices, as may be imagined. are bounding upwards. House coal will again advance on the 1st prox. when the collieries have a further advance in wag>ea. It is practically certain that a further advance of 5 per cent. will be granted the men on the 1st May. It is unfortunate that Messrs Nevill, Druoe and Co.'s pit. the Penooed Colliery, will be closed down at the end of March. This step has been premeditated for the pset few years, but it has been postponed time after time. This will much affect the dis- trict as about 350 men will be thrown oat of employment and the coal output of the district will mffer to the extent of about 600 to 700 tons per day. The tinplate trade is still busy and pre- sent prospects tend to show that for the cummer at least there will be plenty of work for the men. Orders are plentiful and prices are being quite maintained. Altera- tions are rapidly being pushed forward at the Old Lodge Tinworks. where the engines are being modernized. The steelworks, too, are as buay as they can be. with more orders than they can deal with. RATHER A QUIET WEEK AT PORT TALBOT. Trade at Port Talbot Docks last week was not near &o brisk as in the previous one, there being a scarcity of coal during the early part. Both exports and imports showed a good falling off from the previous week and the total decrease amounted to 6.341 tons. Exports were 4.241 tons lees than the week before and imports were 2.100 tons lees com- pared with the corresponding penod of iast year. There is. however. anf\°crease cf 4121 tons The returns J.re as follows ■— E'xp^-Coal ^^on^uJ6^1 coal (coastwise), 39! 750 tons; ooke, 1,323 tons; tinplate. 594 tons; total. imports—alias1- ^I52 J?116 • P'twood. 434 t-oM; bricks, 258 iron. 100 toni; pitch, 120 ^^rcTtona °n8; timl>er. ^TofaT ifcgsio" Vessels in ,d2 £ k on Saturday--»team. 9; sail. 19; total. ?«• .=

SWANSEA EX-^SPECTQE, HONOURED. Swansea on Friday presented ex-Inspector Thomas Evans with a suitably inscribed marble clock and ornaments on hio retirement after 26 years service. Cap- tain Colquhoun made the presentation and Sergoaot Daviee, Inspector Nicholas and Sergeant Roberts, gave tributes to the re- tiring inspector's good qualities. Mr Evans intends to take op farmiug in Carmarthen- ehire.

"i M'WIIWft,' MR. D. LLOYD-GEORGE, M.P. TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC AT CLYDACK. Mr J. Jay Williams, in his capacity as President of dydach and District Liberal Association, has reoeived, in reply to an invitation, a promise from Mr. D. Lloyd- George, M.P., to addra* a public meeting at Clydaen when he can spare the tiro, being very busy at present. Mr. John WiLKama, M.P., for the Gower Division, has also promised to be present

COLLIERY ACCIDENT AT DAFEN. MAN SEVERELY HURT AT GORSE PIT. T Tn £ °r^ 9°1Iiery. Dafen, on Saturday, fiirA^ k n' Llanelly, was severely in- + ^a* stone, and grave fears are entertained for his recovery. It W8/S only an Friday that he start«l work at the oo'lliery.

OMAR'S "RUBAIYAT." 8W ANSEA MINISTER CONSIDERS IT AGNOSTIC Swansea! o^Sundav Rev^TW^11 Cllurch. f?tn..a'l.ngly and eXhaUstively on the ChrIstIan Doctrine of Sin/' and his third discourse on new theo}ogy. He incidon- Khaygam,™h £ h |ubaiyat of Omar translatkm from th^°UPo-J' masterPieoe of Fitzgerald, wm Edward religion, being an agnostfc to The choir sang: "H<T 'Mendelssohn). Cheth over Israel"

SWANSEA CAPTAIN CENSURED. DUBLIN INQUIRY f COLLISION OFF A -r, THE SMALLS. rmHis f of Trade inquiry, concerning the collision of the s.s. Abermead, of Swansea, with the schooner William Keith, of Ar £ ow, concluded in Dublin on Saturday. The collision took place off the Smalls on July 23rd dunng a thick fog. The sailing ves sel sank with the captain and one man, a third being rescued. Court found that the Abermead and the uliam Keith were navigated with proper care until shortly before the collision oc- curred that the master of the Abermead did not stop his vessel as he should have done acoordmg to the regulations for pre- venting collisions at sea; and that the master was in default for not having obeyed those regulations. They censured him, but taking into account his previous good re- cord, did not deal with his certificate.

EDNA MAY AND MILLIONAIRE'S SON. "OURS IS A LOVE MATCH—AND NOTHING MORE." Miss Edna May spent a busy and a happy day with her fiance, Mr Eric Lewisohn, on Friday. She visited the theatre in the morning, and soon after one o'clock drove up to the Savoy Hotel in her smart motor-brougham. The few people who were in the hall at tho time had the first opportunity of seeing .Miss May and her affianced husband toge- ther Miss Edna May has been not a little wor- ried since her engagement was made puBUo by the suggestion that she is marrying Mr. Lewisohn because he happens to be the eon of a millionaire. "It is nothing of the sort," she declared emphatically, "and I don't want people to have an impression like that. Ours is a love-match—just that and nothing more. It is rumoured that the marriage is to take place almost immediately, but upon this point both Mi.-ss May and Mr Lewuohn decline to say a word. "Everything depends upon my work,' said the former. "You see, I have contracts to fulfil." 111118 hint from Miss May of4 her work coming firct does act support the lenort from New York that Mr. E. C. Pettie. MiM Maya father, has aeftnitely stated 'that hia daughter will retire from the stage on her marriage.

FELL FROM THE TRAMCAR. SWANSEA DOCK -ABOURER WHO FRACTURED HIS SPINE. DID THE CAR JERK?—EVIDENCE AT INQUEST. An inquest was held at Swansea Hospital on Friday, touching tbo death of Daniel Mathews (28), dock labourer, 36, Lamberts- Cottages, St. Thomas, who died at the Hos- pital on Thurstlay, as the result of an acci- dent sustained by falling from a tranw»" on January 26. Mr. H. Thompson ap. peajed for the Tramway Company. Thomas Mathews, toother, 42, James- street, said on the night of the accident deceased was in his usual health, and "quite up to the nia. Deceased tckl him he was jerked off the car. He blamed no one. Mr. Thompson: Did he say whether he was standing or sitting? Witness Standing up. He did no<t/sav where?—No. David Symons, Tymawx-street, St- Thomas, said he was sitting nert to cV cea&sd, who was standing up, clutching the up-rail. He did not notice deceased f»JL The tram was going at a slow rate, and witness feli no jerk- There was no evi- dence the deceased had b ^n drinking. packed up he could only groan, and was unable to apeak. Mr. Thompson: There was room for him to have sat down if he wished? Witness: Yes. Albert Uoyd, driver, said be did not ao- tice deceased standing. There was no jerk of the car to cause him to fall. Dr. Hector Jones, house surgeon, said de- ceased, when admitted, had a fracture and dislocation of the spine. Death was doe to exhaustion, following the dislocation. A verdict of accidental death was re. turned, the jury attaching no blarra to he driver. Mr. Thompson expressed the sympathy of the Tramway Company with deceased's family.

LATE MR. F. A MORGAN, BISHOPSTON. FUNERAL ON FRIDAY AT THE OLD CHURCHYARD.. The funeral of the late Mr. Frank Mor- gan, of Herbert Lodge. Bisbopstori, Gower, took place on Friday afternoon, leaving the heuae at three o'clock for Bishopston Church, only members of the familj and a few friends being in attendance. Mourners were ;-1st carriage. Master Frank Morgan (son). Miss Helen and Miss Gordon (daughters). Miss Morgan. Caswell Bay, Mrs, Agnes Morgan; 2nd carriage. Mis* Alice Morgan and Mrs R. W. Beor; 3rd oar- i riage, Mr Bertram Beor. Mr Harold Beor. Mr Guy Beor; 4th carriage. Miss Ruth Phil- lips, Ellen Phillips. Louise Jones. Lilian Payne, maids; 5th carriage. Dr. F. J de Coverley Veale. D. C. Jones, Mr. Jones. •Some private carriages followed. Amongst the number we noticed Mr. E. H. Plant (Messrs. Beor and Plant). Mr. C. G. Jec- kins, Gorse Cottage. Caswell; 81 rRobert Morris, Bart An impressive service in the Chuicfi was conducted bv Rev. Peter Potter. On leav- ing the church for the grave the organ played the Dead March in Saul." v Beautiful wreaths and crosses wero by the family and friends as follows .—Mrs. W. R. Collins, Heathcroft; Sir Patrick and Lady Monson. Mrs. Gerrard Oallaghaa. Mrs Collins Baker. Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Jenkins. Caswell; Dr. and Mrs. J. de Coverley VeaU. Mr. and Mra R. W. Beor and family M""s- George Morgan, Mrs, Raikes. Miss Morgan, Miss Agnes Morgan, Miss Alice Morgao. th* Children, Master Frank. Helen and Gordon, the Maid Servants, and also the Men Ser- vants. The funeral were carried out by Mr. D. C. Jones. Castle-square, Swa« &ea. The only trustee in this count y w&Q unavoidably absent owing to his being -uicd awray to Shlpton. his aged mother cartae beea taieo very m.

NEATH RURAL LIGHTING SCHEME POSITION OF THE DISTRIBUTION COMPANY. Neath Rural Electric Lighting Sub-Com- mittee met on Monday, Mr. W. Howell. J.P., presiding. Information was received that the coath Wales Power Distribution Company was to undergo reconstruction. This means a great deal to Neath District Council, who have completed their lighting system which, how- ever, is dependent upon the Company for power. Tto failure of the Company would be fraught with serious results, for too Coun- cil have expended £20,000 on their scheme, which would bo abortive if the company failed, the only alternative being the erec- tion of a power station at £7.000 cost. The agreement between the Neath Council and the Company will now hold good and power will be supplied for Igd- per unit and will be vended at 4d. per unit. The Council forward to a sub- stantial profit from private consumers and vigorous canvassing is proceeding.